Cantor to committees: Punish Russia

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor has asked the chamber’s committees to explore ways to punish Russia for what he sees as unacceptable acts in Ukraine.

The Virginia Republican cited Russia’s actions in Syria, Iran and, most recently, Ukraine as examples of how the nation has “not been a constructive world partner under Vladimir Putin’s leadership.”

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“Next week, the G-7 leaders should decide to revoke Russia’s membership in the G-8,” Cantor said in an emailed statement. “The U.S. should assess what military support we can provide Ukraine and the U.S. must work in concert with its NATO allies to reassure other countries threatened by Russia. We should also assess what support we can give to Ukraine’s energy production and to increase our own exports to weaken Russia’s stranglehold, and put long-term pressure on their economy.”